I Wish I Could Stop

A few days back,

I noticed the wrinkles on my parent’s skin

And the creases under their eyes.

Wondering, were they long before I noticed?

Or maybe they just started getting noticeable,

As my parents are getting older day by day.

Then the little moments

Hit me harder than ever,

Like a sharp pain piercing my heart.

Seeing how they struggle to get up

Or do a chore even when their body resists.

How they are facing new health issues,

Still smiling through it all.

I wish if there is any spell

That I can cast to stop the time

And stop them from getting older.

But I know life isn’t a game.

There are no extra lives.

There is only the present moment.

Where I can cherish every bit of time I have with them

And give them the love they deserve.